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Matt Hainy spars with Ryan Rhodes ahead of stern Kreshnik Qato test

Matt Hainy has promised a better work rate when he tackles Kreshnik Qato for the vacant English middleweight title on Saturday.

The 10-round showdown will take place at the ExCel Arena – the official London Olympic venue for all boxing events.

Wembley-based Qato (won 27, lost 8) who hails from Albania, is a former WBF middleweight champion.

The fight is expected to provide Hainy with his sternest test to date following nine victories and three defeats. He defeated Luke Robinson over 10 tough rounds to lift the vacant international masters belt in Whitwick last time out.

Hainy said: “My training was excellent for my last fight and it has been even better this time.

“My work rate will be better in this fight and I’m punching harder.”

The 30-year-old martial arts instructor has been sparring with Ryan Rhodes, who takes on Sergey Rabchenko for the European title later next month.

Experienced: Kreshnik Qato

There is also the comeback of former IBO light middleweight title holder Richard Williams, who takes on William Joppy.